4 Must know about self feeding

Self feeding is an important development for children. Teaching children to self feeding may not be an easy thing. But feeding your child continuously until he grows up is not good either. This will only hinder its development.

Self feeding in children comes in phases, making it a long drawn out, but extremely rewarding, journey for you and your child. Although your child needs to reach toddlerhood to have the physical ability to self feed, it helps to start early. Here are the 4 must know things before you start letting your baby self feeding.

Content:

| Self feeding advantages

| How to encourage self feeding

| Best self feeding age

| My favorite self feeding spoon

Self feeding advantages

Some parents choose to continue feeding their children because they don't want their children to be messy or dirty while eating alone. In fact, this is a learning process that children must go through. Baby led weaning (BLW) is a method that allows babies to self feeding. Mama only needs to prepare food that has been processed according to the baby's ability to eat, then the baby can use his hands to take and feed the food. Letting children eat alone also teaches him many things. Self feeding have many advantages.

Read more: Why letting your baby self-feeding is worth the mess

To prevent obesity

One of them is keeping children connected to their basic instincts (hunger) and listening to their own body cues (satiety). When a child is fed by another person, the child has the potential to eat more than they need, causing them to lose touch with their basic bodily instincts. In addition, it can also trigger stomach upset and can lead to eating problems later in life, such as obesity.

Helping children recognize the taste and texture of food

In applying the BLW method, food is served in a solid and larger form. This will allow your little one to recognize the texture because it is easy to grip. In addition, this method also introduces your little one to the various tastes, colors and aromas of the food he consumes.

Read more: Start feeding your kids solid food with this

Support children's motor development

Implementing the BLW method can support your little one's motor development, you know, Bun. This method can be a means for your little one to train eye and hand coordination, as well as chewing and grasping skills.

Read more: How to help my baby develop their pincer grasp?

Make children enjoy the food they eat

Teaching your little one this method allows him to enjoy the food he is eating without the need to be forced to open his mouth. In addition, your little one can also be introduced to many types of food.

How to encourage self feeding

Don't help put food in their mouth

You could say BLW is a method for making your little one independent when eating. You should really try to step back and believe that your baby can put food well in his mouth. Don't help put food in his mouth and you don't have to worry if you think he doesn't eat much. At this stage, food is a way for your little one to experiment and learn. As extra nutrition, your child will get what he needs from his milk, whether formula milk or breast milk.

Try offering a variety of foods

After your baby learns to use a spoon (holding objects between fingers and thumbs a.k.a. pincer grasp), you can introduce berries and raisins, or peas. Don't overwhelm your baby with too much food, having in front of him two or three items at a time is sufficient.

Read more: Baby's first solid food

Be patient

It is better if you don't rush when you want to let your children self feeding, because your child will choke on food if his age is not suitable, another reason is because he is not good at chewing food that is too solid. Wait until your baby is six months old and make sure he can sit up straight before starting self feeding. Be patient is the key.

Nothing comes easy with the baby. Every habit and every successful milestone is a result of someone’s effort. It could be you, your nanny, your spouse, the siblings or even strangers.

Read more: 3 Rules you must follow when giving first food to your children

Best self feeding age

Learning to self feeding can generally begin at the age of 9 months, when children are able to grasp their own food. At this age, parents is allowed to give them finger foods or foods that are easy to grasp. Children will become interested in holding their own spoon, fork, or water bottle in both hands when they are 13–15 months old.

In my daughter case, I let her start hold when she was 7 months. The food does not always fill the spoon and she not always succeeds in putting it in her mouth. Not a little food will also fall on the floor or table.

Around 18-24 months of age, they will begin to be adept at putting their own food into his mouth less messy. However, your little one must always be supervised when learning to eat on their own. Because they are still learning, sometimes children may choke, cough, or vomit. Later when your little one enters the age of 24–36 months, they will be more adept at eating and enjoying their own food without the need for help from adults.

My favorite self feeding spoon

You might be wondering if you can just get away with using a regular old steel spoon to feed your baby. After all, if it’s good enough for you to eat with, shouldn’t it be fine for a baby?

Some old-school parents will shrug and say that you can feed a toddler just fine without buying yet another special tool. But most feeding authorities recommend using a shallow, plastic children’s spoon for feeding, since it’s easier for them to eat from and won’t hurt their delicate mouths.

Read more: Baby essentials that is important for your children's development

Combined spoon and teether

Some spoons are made a little larger with a more chewy texture, for those teething kids who to bite down on as they eat. The teething element may encourage some kids to use the spoon.

Grabease stage 1 silicone spoon

The soft spoon is perfect for tiny mouths during the early stages of self-feeding, and the textured handle soothes little one's gums during teething. Kickstart BLW with Grabease stage 1 self-feeding silicone spoon.

Shaped ergonomic spoons

Little hands can be clumsy and a spoon is hard to hold. This style of spoon is usually chunkier and shaped to help toddlers get to grips with their fine motor skills.

Grabease stage 2 spoon and fork

Grabease patented fork and spoon sets were the first utensils designed with babies’ independence in mind, and they come highly recommended by Occupational Therapists. The ergonomic handle fits comfortably in babies' natural hand grasp, making the hand-to-mouth motion easier. This set will also help strengthen their fingers while encouraging proper pencil grasp development (this will come in handy later!).

BONUS! Yummy and healthy ice cream for your baby with Grabease

The Story of a Safer Baby Spoon: A Product's Origin Story

Editor's Note:

Please note that we no longer distribute the Grabease brand. We have kept this article live because we believe it tells a powerful and important origin story about product innovation in the baby space.

The principles discussed here, such as the revolutionary short handle and the choke-protection shield, are valuable design features that have changed the market. We see this article as a case study in how a simple, parent-driven idea can lead to a safer and more effective product for all children.

The history of Grabease

And please respect every brand’s effort and creativity.

From lawyer to product developer, Maya Shalev - founder of Grabease - loved problem-solving but didn't love the aggressiveness of litigation. She did mediation training at the Los Angeles Attorney's office before getting pregnant with her daughter, Alma.

As a stay at home mom for a few years, Maya was able to apply her problem-solving skills when she developed, with her dad, products that were missing in the market.  

In 2014, Maya found herself at a crossroads when her father passed away while she was three months pregnant. Finding herself in this new situation, Maya decided to take a break to cope with the loss of her father and focus her energy on the new life she was bringing into the world.

In 2015, Maya found herself with a new challenge when her six-month-old son, Amit, was learning how to self-feed. This obstacle reignited her passion for developing a product that would not only solve the need for her son but other moms going through similar scenarios.

Off the bat, she noticed that baby utensils aren't designed with babies in mind. The handles were too long and her son couldn't hold the utensil naturally. She decided to meltdown cheap forks to create a shorter, thicker handle. The first mold was created out of Playdough, a common medium in a house with kids.

The next phase was to create a set of utensils, the most expensive pair of fork and spoon she's ever invested in, a whopping $400 for a 3D printed set! Using her son as a guinea pig to test out the new utensils Maya noticed that the handle was on the thin side so she went back to the drawing board and designed a teardrop-shaped handle.

She took this prototype to a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for some feedback to make sure she was developing the right product. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The Occupational Therapist told Maya that the Grabease utensils "makes a great developmental product for children ages 4 months and up. Grabease supports fine motor skill development and independent feeding skills."

The inspiration to go back in business to not only create but give back was through the social initiative she saw the Toms brand spearhead. When Grabease was being packed and shipped Maya partnered with The Harvest Home, a non-profit organization that helps homeless pregnant women get back on their feet.

The Grabease design was immediately patented in 2016 and sent to production. A soft launch was introduced via Amazon to see if there was a need for the product. Maya designed the product with the intention that nine-month-old children and older would be using the product but to her surprise moms were excited to share photos and videos of their six-month-old babies self-feeding with the Grabease.

Grabease was tagged by tons of moms on social media, gushing with excitement that their kids were independently eating with the utensils.

The pivotal change for the brand was at the JPMA trade show. The last day of the show is open to consumers, the excitement and the crowd around the Grabease booth was proof that the brand was going to be high in demand. Shortly after, all products were sold out on Amazon as well. Before long, the Grabease website launched!

Not only was Grabease helping babies learn how to independently feed themselves, it was helpful for differently-abled children as well. Parents were sharing how Grabease utensils were helping their children with cerebral palsy or down syndrome. This was heartwarming and impactful for Maya.

Different organizations that helped children with different abilities were now reaching out to the brand for support. Without hesitation, Grabease donated products to help and promote the development of independent eaters. With the word spreading, Maya found herself getting emails and calls from Occupational Therapists that were interested in trying out the product in their clinics and then endorsing the product. Another win for Grabease!

In quarter 1 of 2017 Maya graduated from the kitchen to the garage. Soon after, Nordstroms and other independent retailed picked up the brand and Grabease moved into an office space in 2018.  

Grabease is now available in 300 stores and internationally, accessible in over 15 countries and expanding rapidly!

Maya didn't stop there. The Grabease toothbrush was the next product created. Thought of and designed by Maya's then 8-year-old daughter, Alma. The idea came to her when she saw the struggles her parents were having when trying to brush her little brothers' teeth, Amit. 

Alma sketched the design and 2 years later the design came to life. The toothbrush was a hit. So much so that most kids don’t want to put it down!

Read more: 2019 Grabease new product double sided toothbrush

Maya and the team of moms take pride in developing products that provide solutions for families around the world while helping children in need. Grabease is excited to continue launching innovative and helpful products for other parents because being a parent is a lot of work and we want to alleviate unnecessary stress so you can enjoy the best moments with your growing tot!

Article quoted from Grabease blog post.

How to Choose Baby's First Spoon: A Guide to Self-Feeding Utensils

Editor's Note:

This article was originally a comparison between two specific brands. To provide more timeless and valuable advice, it has been updated to be a general guide on the two primary types of starter utensils for babies. This will help you understand the features to look for as you choose the best tools for your little one.

When your baby enters the age of 6 months, it's an exciting time to introduce them to the world of solid foods. This is when a baby's first spoon and fork come into play. Unlike the utensils we use, a baby's first tools must be specially adjusted for their little mouths, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and easy to use.

The market is full of options, but they generally fall into two distinct categories, each designed for a different phase of the self-feeding journey. Understanding the difference is key to preventing frustration and setting your baby up for success.

Type 1: The Starter "Chewtensil" for Early Exploration

This type of utensil is perfect for the very beginning of the solid food journey, often suitable for babies as young as 4-6 months. It acts as a bridge between a teether and a true utensil.

Key Features:

• Soft, Flexible Material: Usually made from 100% food-grade silicone, it's gentle on a baby's sensitive gums.

• Dual-Sided with Textures: The "spoon" end is often textured and designed more for dipping into purées than for actual scooping. The handle is also textured, making it double as an effective teether.

• Easy-to-Grip Handle: The handle is typically short and wide, making it easy for a baby's developing grasp.

Pros:

• Excellent for developing hand-to-mouth coordination.

• Doubles as a teether, providing soothing relief during mealtimes.

• Very safe for babies to explore independently.

Cons:

• Not effective for scooping thicker foods or piercing solids.

• Babies will outgrow its limited functionality as their skills improve.

Type 2: The Ergonomic Self-Feeding Utensil

This is the next step up, designed for when your baby (typically 6-9 months and older) is ready to start scooping and piercing food themselves.

Key Features:

• Firmer Material & Real Utensil Head: While the handle might be silicone, the head is a real (but baby-safe) spoon and fork, allowing for actual scooping of things like yogurt and piercing of soft fruits.

• Short, Ergonomic Handle: The defining feature is a short, fat handle that encourages a baby's natural vertical grasp, making the motion to their mouth more intuitive.

• Choke-Protection Shield: This is a critical safety feature. A wide "cloud" or flower-shaped guard below the utensil head prevents a baby from gagging themselves.

Pros:

• Promotes true self-feeding independence and fine motor skills.

• The choke shield provides invaluable peace of mind for parents.

• Effectively prepares a child for using standard toddler utensils.

Cons:

• The firmer material is not designed for teething.

• Requires slightly more coordination than a simple "chewtensil."

Summary: Which One Is Right for Your Baby?

It's not a question of which one is "better," but which one is right for your baby's current stage.

• Think of the "Chewtensil" as Stage 1: Perfect for the initial introduction to solids, for dipping, and for teething relief.

• Think of the Ergonomic Utensil as Stage 2: The ideal tool once your baby shows a real desire to scoop and feed themselves independently.

Many parents find it helpful to own both, starting with the soft chewtensil and "graduating" to the ergonomic self-feeder as their baby's confidence and skills grow.

A Parent's Guide to Choosing the Best Baby Spoons and Forks

Editor's Note:

This article was originally a "best of" list from 2021. To provide more timeless and valuable advice, it has been updated to be a comprehensive guide on the features to look for when choosing the perfect spoon and fork for your baby's developmental stage.

When your baby starts eating solid foods, their growth requires a new level of attention and equipment. The right bowls, plates, spoons, and forks are essential accessories to make mealtime successful. You will get a lot of use out of these tools, so it's wise to choose well. With so many baby spoons and forks on the market, it can be confusing to know which one is best. This guide will help you choose.

How to Pick the Perfect Baby Spoon and Fork: A 3-Point Checklist

1. Who Will Be Feeding the Baby?

The first question to ask is who will be holding the utensil. The answer determines the type of spoon you need.

• Parent-Feeding Spoons: These typically have a longer handle, designed for an adult's hand to comfortably reach the baby's mouth from a distance.

• Self-Feeding Spoons: When your child wants to eat independently, it's time to switch. These spoons have shorter, chunkier, ergonomic handles shaped for a baby's natural grasp. They are specifically designed to help develop fine motor skills.

2. What Is It Made Of?

This is the most important feature. A baby's gums are delicate, and they aren't coordinated enough to use metal utensils safely.

• The Best Choice: Silicone. 100% food-grade silicone is the ideal material. It's soft, hygienic, durable, and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates.

• Other Good Options: Soft plastics and smooth, splinter-free wood are also safe alternatives.

• What to Avoid: Metal spoons are too hard and can hurt a baby's gums and developing teeth.

3. Is It the Right Size?

Baby utensils should be much smaller than yours. A spoon might look tiny to you, but it's probably the perfect size for your little one's small mouth. The spoon bowl should not be too deep, making it easy for your baby to get the food off.

Key Features to Look for in Modern Baby Utensils

Beyond the basics, today's most innovative utensils have special features designed for safety and success.

• The Choke-Protection Shield: This is a revolutionary safety feature. It's a wide barrier located on the handle that prevents your baby from pushing the spoon or fork too far into their mouth and gagging. It provides invaluable peace of mind for parents.

• The Silicone Spoon-Teether: Perfect for the earliest stages, these spoons are made entirely of soft, chewable silicone. They act as a "2-in-1," allowing a baby to get used to the motion of self-feeding while also soothing their sore gums.

• The Food-Gripping Starter Spoon: Before a baby masters scooping, they start by dipping. Some starter spoons are flat with textured surfaces designed to grip onto purées, allowing your baby to successfully get food to their mouth without needing to scoop perfectly.

• Hygienic and Travel-Friendly Designs: Look for sets that come with a clean carrying pouch. Some innovative designs even have a base that allows the spoon to stand up, keeping the tip off a dirty restaurant table.

A Final Word of Advice

Baby utensils are usable for years to come, so it's a good idea to invest in a nice set for home and perhaps some less expensive ones for the diaper bag, as it's easy to lose them when you're out. Having a few sets is always wise.

Ready to Start the Self-Feeding Adventure?

The right utensils can turn mealtime from a frustrating struggle into a fun, successful learning experience.

A Parent's Guide to Self-Feeding: Why It's Worth the Mess

As a new parent, your instinct is to be protective. You worry about choking, so you might prefer to feed your child yourself. While every parent has a different perspective, let's discuss the incredible importance of allowing children to be in charge of their own feeding and learn how to listen to their bodies.

This approach, often called Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), can be messy. But this article will show you why you should empower your little one to self-feed—and why it is absolutely worth the mess.

Why is Self-Feeding Worth the Mess?

Learning to eat alone is a critical skill that should be encouraged early. When a child is able to grasp something, letting them explore food with their hands stimulates their development in profound ways.

• Develops Fine Motor Skills: The act of learning to grab food and put it in their mouths strengthens the small muscles in their hands and fingers. This is the same dexterity they will later use for other positive activities like coloring, drawing, and writing. The more they practice, the stronger those muscles become.

• Improves Hand-Eye Coordination: Self-feeding requires your baby to see their food, use their hands to pick it up, and guide it successfully to their mouth. This is a complex task that builds crucial coordination.

• Encourages a Healthy Relationship with Food: Allowing a baby to control their own intake helps them learn to listen to their body's hunger and fullness cues. It gives them a sense of autonomy and can lead to them being more adventurous eaters in the long run.

When is a Good Age to Start Self-Feeding?

Once you introduce solid foods (around 6 months), your child will likely start showing signs of wanting to feed themselves. When your child is able to sit up unassisted and can successfully pick up food and get it into their mouth, it's the right time to begin the transition.

Self-feeding involves lots of feeling, squeezing, and dropping food. It might seem chaotic, but it’s one of the primary ways your child develops essential skills.

How to Start Your Baby's Self-Feeding Journey

Step 1: Start with Hands and Finger Foods

Baby-Led Weaning encourages letting your child explore food with all their senses. Start by offering soft, bite-sized pieces of food that are easy for your baby to pick up and mash between their gums. Think small pieces of soft fruit like banana or avocado, or soft-cooked vegetables like potatoes or pumpkin.

At this stage (around 6 months), finger foods are for exploration, not their main source of nutrition, so you should continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as usual. You'll find that once they become interested in the textures and tastes of food, the journey to self-feeding becomes much easier.

Step 2: Introducing the Right Kind of Utensils

There's no right or wrong time to introduce utensils, but it's the next logical step in their development. The key is to use utensils that are actually made for a baby's hands and abilities.

Traditional children's cutlery often looks like adult cutlery, just scaled down. The problem? A "child-size" spoon is often the same length as a 12-month-old's entire forearm! This forces them to hold it in an awkward fist grip, which doesn't help develop the fine motor skills they need.

What to Look for in a Starter Spoon and Fork:

Instead of focusing on a brand, focus on these revolutionary design features endorsed by Occupational Therapists:

• A Short, Ergonomic Handle: This is the most important feature. A short, wide handle encourages a child's natural vertical grasp, allowing them to hold the utensil properly and bring it to their mouth much more easily.

• A Choke-Protection Shield: Many of the best starter utensils have a built-in safety shield below the spoon or fork tines. This prevents your baby from accidentally gagging themselves, giving you invaluable peace of mind.

• Proportional Sizing: The utensil should be sized for a baby's body, not just a smaller version of an adult's.

A Final Word on the Mess

Messy eating and playing with food are normal, healthy parts of your baby’s development. It's also normal for them to drop or throw food. If you react strongly, they might think it's an exciting new game. The best strategy is to ignore it. Calmly pick up the food without a fuss, or simply leave it on the floor until the meal is over so you only have one big clean-up.

“Needless to say, teaching children self-feeding is often a long and messy journey. Just let the food fly!!”

— The Real Nutritionist